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- Alégroth, Emil, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Practitioners' best practices to Adopt, Use or Abandon Model-based Testing with Graphical models for Software-intensive Systems
- 2022
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In: Empirical Software Engineering. - : SPRINGER. - 1382-3256 .- 1573-7616. ; 27:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Model-based testing (MBT) has been extensively researched for software-intensive systems but, despite the academic interest, adoption of the technique in industry has been sparse. This phenomenon has been observed by our industrial partners for MBT with graphical models. They perceive one cause to be a lack of evidence-based MBT guidelines that, in addition to technical guidelines, also take non-technical aspects into account. This hypothesis is supported by a lack of such guidelines in the literature. Objective: The objective of this study is to elicit, and synthesize, MBT experts' best practices for MBT with graphical models. The results aim to give guidance to practitioners and aspire to give researchers new insights to inspire future research. Method: An interview survey is conducted using deep, semi-structured, interviews with an international sample of 17 MBT experts, in different roles, from software industry. Interview results are synthesised through semantic equivalence analysis and verified by MBT experts from industrial practice. Results: 13 synthesised conclusions are drawn from which 23 best-practice guidelines are derived for the adoption, use and abandonment of the technique. In addition, observations and expert insights are discussed that help explain the lack of wide-spread adoption of MBT with graphical models in industrial practice. Conclusions: Several technical aspects of MBT are covered by the results as well as conclusions that cover process- and organizational factors. These factors relate to the mindset, knowledge, organization, mandate and resources that enable the technique to be used effectively within an organization. The guidelines presented in this work complement existing knowledge and, as a primary objective, provide guidance for industrial practitioners to better succeed with MBT with graphical models.
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Att skriva med ljus. 13 essäer om litteratur och fotografi
- 2020
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Editorial collection (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Fotografins födelse på 1800-talet är en avgörande händelse i de visuella konsternas historia. Det var en medieteknologisk omvälvning som förändrade förutsättningarna också för litterärt skapande. Litteraturens och fotografins fortsatta samverkan kom att sätta djupa spår i fältet för konstnärlig produktion under 1900- och 2000-talen. Några av dess uttryck och effekter diskuteras i denna antologi som rör sig från fotografen Félix Nadars memoarer till filmskaparen Wim Wenders fototexter. Texter av: Mikael van Reis, Johan Gardfors, Kristoffer Noheden, Nils Olsson, Niclas Östlind, Louise Wolthers, Björn Billing, Thomas Hvid Kromann, Unni Langås, Sonia Lagerwall, Mats Jansson, Hans Kristian S. Rustad, Jørgen Bruhn,
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- Baison, J., et al.
(author)
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Genetic control of tracheid properties in Norway spruce wood
- 2020
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Research. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Through the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) mapping it is possible to establish the genetic basis of phenotypic trait variation. Our GWAS study presents the first such effort in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L). Karst.) for the traits related to wood tracheid characteristics. The study employed an exome capture genotyping approach that generated 178 101 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from 40 018 probes within a population of 517 Norway spruce mother trees. We applied a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) based association mapping method using a functional multi-locus mapping approach, with a stability selection probability method as the hypothesis testing approach to determine significant Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs). The analysis has provided 30 significant associations, the majority of which show specific expression in wood-forming tissues or high ubiquitous expression, potentially controlling tracheids dimensions, their cell wall thickness and microfibril angle. Among the most promising candidates based on our results and prior information for other species are: Picea abies BIG GRAIN 2 (PabBG2) with a predicted function in auxin transport and sensitivity, and MA_373300g0010 encoding a protein similar to wall-associated receptor kinases, which were both associated with cell wall thickness. The results demonstrate feasibility of GWAS to identify novel candidate genes controlling industrially-relevant tracheid traits in Norway spruce. © 2020, The Author(s).
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- Blomstrand, Hakon, et al.
(author)
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Impact of resection margins and para-aortic lymph node metastases on recurrence patterns and prognosis in resectable pancreatic cancer - a long-term population-based cohort study
- 2023
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In: HPB. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 1365-182X .- 1477-2574. ; 25:12, s. 1531-1544
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Pancreatic cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death. To individualise management and improve survival, more accurate prognostic models are needed.Methods: All patients resected for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a tertiary Swedish centre during 2009-2019 were thoroughly analysed with regards to pathological and clinical parameters including tumour grade, resection margin status, para-aortic lymph node engagement (node station 16), and systemic treatment.Results: The study cohort included 275 patients. Overall median survival was 21.2 months (95% CI 17.5-24.8). Year of resection, margin status (R1 subdivided into R1(1mm)/R1(ink)), perineural invasion, differentiation grade, TNM stage, and adjuvant therapy were independent factors with significant impact on survival. Margin status also significantly affected recurrence-free survival and relapse patterns, with local and peritoneal relapses being associated with R1-status (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007). Presence of paraaortic lymph node metastases was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival as compared to N1 status only.Conclusion: Survival in resected pancreatic cancer is improving over time. Resection margin status is a key factor affecting recurrence patterns and prognosis. Given the poor recurrence-free survival in node station 16 metastasised patients, the rational for resection remains in doubt, and improved treatment strategies for this patient group is necessary.
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- Bäcklund, Nils, 1987-
(author)
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Diagnosing hyper- and hypocortisolism using saliva samples : pitfalls and how to avoid them
- 2023
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is caused by high cortisol secretion whereas insufficient cortisol secretion is called adrenal insufficiency (AI). Both are rare diseases with substantial diagnostic delay, and high morbidity and mortality even though effective treatment is available. This thesis aims to improve diagnostic tests for CS and AI using analyses of cortisol and its inactive metabolite cortisone in saliva samples.Methods: Papers 1 and 2 are based on a reference cohort including 155 individuals and 22 patients with CS. Salivary samples were collected at late-night (23:00 hours ± 15 minutes) and after a 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST). In Paper 1, reference intervals for salivary cortisol and cortisone analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were established for late-night and post-DST samples. Diagnostic accuracy for CS was calculated using the established reference intervals. Potential effects of age, comorbidities, season, and sampling time point were also studied. In Paper 2, different analytical methods for measurement of salivary cortisol (3 LC-MS/MS and 3 immunoassays) and salivary cortisone (3 LC-MS/MS assays) were compared regarding reference intervals and diagnostic accuracies for CS. Paper 3 elucidated the potential effect of liquorice consumption, blood contamination, and topical hydrocortisone handling prior to sampling on salivary cortisol and cortisone. Paper 4 investigated whether salivary cortisol and cortisone are less affected than plasma cortisol by estrogen-containing oral contraceptive (OCs) in women undergoing a short Synacthen test (SST) by comparing the response in women with (n=41) and without OCs (n=46).Results: Paper 1 established reference intervals for salivary cortisol and cortisone at 23:00 hours and after DST. Using the upper reference limits as cut-offs, the diagnostic tests rendered high diagnostic accuracy for CS using salivary cortisol (sensitivity 90–95 %, specificity 96 %). There was no seasonal variation and no significant difference between samples collected at 22:00 vs 23:00 hours. Salivary cortisone showed a higher diagnostic accuracy for CS (sensitivity 100 % and specificity 94–95 %) and was less affected by other comorbidities compared to salivary cortisol. Paper 2 showed very high agreement between the three LC-MS/MS methods and that measuring salivary cortisol with immunoassays resulted in higher cortisol concentrations than with LC-MS/MS. However, using the newly established reference limits for each method, all had high diagnostic accuracy for CS. Late-night salivary cortisone analyzed with the LC-MS/MS methods and salivary cortisol analyzed with the Roche immunoassay showed the highest diagnostic accuracies. Paper 3 showed that liquorice consumption increased late-night salivary cortisol, which was sustained for up to 6 days, whereas no effect was seen on salivary cortisone. Salivary cortisol, but not cortisone, was increased by contamination of saliva with ≥0.5 % blood, which could be revealed by a clearly visible red discoloration of the saliva. Handling of topical hydrocortisone before saliva sampling affected salivary cortisol to a much higher degree than salivary cortisone. Paper 4 showed that women using OCs have considerably higher plasma cortisol levels during an SST, whereas salivary cortisol and salivary cortisone were lower compared to controls. However, the lower reference limits were not significantly different for salivary measurands, with salivary cortisone slightly more robust, opting for a common cut-off to exclude AI regardless of OCs.Conclusion: Using the reference intervals calculated for several clinically used analytical methods showed high diagnostic accuracy for CS, with cortisone showing the highest accuracy. Analyzing salivary cortisone was not affected by liquorice consumption or blood contamination. Salivary cortisone was least affected by OCs during an SST. In summary, salivary cortisone is very useful in the diagnostic work-up for CS and AI.
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- Bäcklund, Nils, et al.
(author)
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Reference intervals of salivary cortisol and cortisone and their diagnostic accuracy in Cushing's syndrome
- 2020
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In: European Journal of Endocrinology. - : Bioscientifica. - 0804-4643 .- 1479-683X. ; 182:6, s. 569-582
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The challenge of diagnosing Cushing's syndrome (CS) calls for high precision biochemical screening. This study aimed to establish robust reference intervals for, and compare the diagnostic accuracy of, salivary cortisol and cortisone in late-night samples and after a low-dose (1 mg) dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Design and methods: Saliva samples were collected at 08:00 and 23:00 h, and at 08:00 h, after a DST, from 22 patients with CS and from 155 adult reference subjects. We also collected samples at 20:00 and 22:00 h from 78 of the reference subjects. Salivary cortisol and cortisone were analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals were calculated as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the reference population measurements. Diagnostic accuracies of different tests were compared, based on areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results: The upper reference limits of salivary cortisol and cortisone at 23:00 h were 3.6 nmol/L and 13.5 nmol/L, respectively. Using these reference limits, CS was detected with a sensitivity (95% CI) of 90% (70-99%) and specificity of 96% (91-98%) for cortisol, and a 100% (84-100%) sensitivity and 95% (90-98%) specificity for cortisone. After DST, cortisol and cortisone upper reference limits were 0.79 nmol/L and 3.5 nmol/L, respectively. CS was detected with 95% (75-100%) sensitivity and 96% (92-99%) specificity with cortisol, and 100% (83-100%) sensitivity and 94% (89-97%) specificity with cortisone. No differences in salivary cortisol or cortisone levels were found between samples collected at 22:00 and 23:00 h. Conclusion: Salivary cortisol and cortisone in late-night samples and after DST showed high accuracy for diagnosing CS, salivary cortisone being slightly, but significantly better. © 2020 European Society of Endocrinology Printed in Great Britain.
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- Bäcklund, Nils, et al.
(author)
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Reference intervals of salivary cortisol and cortisone and their diagnostic accuracy in Cushing’s syndrome
- 2020
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In: European Journal of Endocrinology. - : Bioscientifica. - 0804-4643 .- 1479-683X. ; 182:6, s. 569-582
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The challenge of diagnosing Cushing's syndrome (CS) calls for high precision biochemical screening. This study aimed to establish robust reference intervals for, and compare the diagnostic accuracy of, salivary cortisol and cortisone in late-night samples and after a low-dose (1 mg) dexamethasone suppression test (DST).Design and methods: Saliva samples were collected at 08:00 and 23:00 h, and at 08:00 h, after a DST, from 22 patients with CS and from 155 adult reference subjects. We also collected samples at 20:00 and 22:00 h from 78 of the reference subjects. Salivary cortisol and cortisone were analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals were calculated as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the reference population measurements. Diagnostic accuracies of different tests were compared, based on areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves.Results: The upper reference limits of salivary cortisol and cortisone at 23:00 h were 3.6 nmol/L and 13.5 nmol/L, respectively. Using these reference limits, CS was detected with a sensitivity (95% CI) of 90% (70-99%) and specificity of 96% (91-98%) for cortisol, and a 100% (84-100%) sensitivity and 95% (90-98%) specificity for cortisone. After DST, cortisol and cortisone upper reference limits were 0.79 nmol/L and 3.5 nmol/L, respectively. CS was detected with 95% (75-100%) sensitivity and 96% (92-99%) specificity with cortisol, and 100% (83-100%) sensitivity and 94% (89-97%) specificity with cortisone. No differences in salivary cortisol or cortisone levels were found between samples collected at 22:00 and 23:00 h.Conclusion: Salivary cortisol and cortisone in late-night samples and after DST showed high accuracy for diagnosing CS, salivary cortisone being slightly, but significantly better.
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- Bäcklund, Nils, 1987-, et al.
(author)
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Salivary cortisol and cortisone can circumvent confounding effects of oral contraceptives in the short synacthen test
- 2024
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In: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : Oxford University Press. - 0021-972X .- 1945-7197. ; 109:7, s. 1899-1906
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is usually diagnosed by low plasma cortisol levels following a short Synacthen test (SST). Most plasma cortisol is bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin, which is increased by estrogen in combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs). Women with AI using COCs are therefore at risk of having an apparently normal plasma cortisol level during SST, which would not adequately reflect AI.Objective: To test whether salivary cortisol or cortisone during SST is more robust against the COC effect and to calculate the lower reference limits (LRLs) for these to be used as tentative diagnostic cutoffs to exclude AI.Methods: Forty-one healthy women on COCs and 46 healthy women without exogenous estrogens performed an SST with collection of plasma and salivary samples at 0, 30, and 60 min after Synacthen injection. The groups were compared using regression analysis with age as covariate and the LRLs were calculated parametrically.Results: SST-stimulated plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in the COC group versus controls, while mean salivary cortisol and cortisone levels were slightly lower in the COC group. Importantly, COC use did not significantly alter LRLs for salivary cortisol or cortisone. The smallest LRL difference between groups was seen for salivary cortisone.Conclusion: Salivary cortisol and especially salivary cortisone are considerably less affected by COC use than plasma cortisol during SST. Due to similar LRLs, a common cutoff for salivary cortisol and cortisone during SST can be used to exclude AI in premenopausal women irrespective of COC use.
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